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NY Giants: Evaluating impact of rookie class | Grades

By Danny Friedman

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 18: Tae Crowder #48 of the New York Giants returns a fumble by Kyle Allen #8 of the Washington Football Team for a touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium on October 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 18: Tae Crowder #48 of the New York Giants returns a fumble by Kyle Allen #8 of the Washington Football Team for a touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium on October 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

7th Round, #255 Overall, LB Tae Crowder, Georgia

“Mr. Irrelevant” himself, Tae Crowder thrived in his rookie season. The talented, explosive player from Georgia more than proved his worth and relevancy in the NFL.

Tae had the Giants’ biggest play of the season up to that point in Week 6, as he scooped and scored on a game-winning fumble recovery for a touchdown. The play gave the team much-needed life and awarded the Giants their first win and Coach Judge’s first career win as a head coach.

Crowder started the season like most day three rookies do. He carved out a role on special teams and made some nice plays and big tackles to show his talent to the coaching staff. Injuries, poor performances, and a chance to evaluate an intriguing rookie in Crowder created a path for him to see extensive snaps defensively.

A running back turned linebacker, Crowder has exceptional speed and can cover the field sideline-to-sideline. Tae was all over the field in year one in a variety of roles and positions.

Rookie Year Grade: A-

2021 Role and Beyond:

Crowder should be a good depth linebacker for NY but probably isn’t a full-time starter. The team may want to add a more experienced, proven middle linebacker to play next to Blake Martinez but Crowder may end up being the guy to fill that role.

Tae Crowder ended his memorable first season with six starts in 11 games, one pass deflection, one sack, three tackles for a loss, three additional  QB hits, 57 total tackles, and one game-winning fumble recovery for a 43-yard return for the touchdown.

Crowder is a dynamic athlete who moves much faster pace than most guys his size or at his position at linebacker. Crowder was a fun rookie to watch who played with speed and guts with a knack for making plays in opponents’ backfields.

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